The Green Scare

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Incidents

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Dutch Girl Dairy Arson

December 4, 1995

When: December 4th, 1995

Where: Dutch Girl Dairy, Eugene OR

Damage: $150,000

Allegations: On the night of December 4th, 1995, two dairy trucks at the Dutch Girl Dairy in Eugene, Oregon were set alight in a protest against the dairy industry. Kevin Tubbs, a vegan activist, broke into the dairy plant and set three homemade incendiary devices in the trucks. Two of the devices successfully burned trucks, and the third did not function.

Who: Kevin Tubbs

More Info:
Kevin Tubbs

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Detroit Ranger Station Arson

October 28, 1996

When: October 28, 1996

Where: Detroit Ranger Station

Damage: $21,500

Allegations: On October 28th, 1996, Josephine Overaker and Jacob Ferguson allegedly used homemade incendiary devices to light two trucks on fire at the US Forest Service ranger station in Detroit, Oregon. The trucks were targeted as a protest against the way that the Forest Service was managing wildlands. A third device was placed on the station itself, but failed to ignite.

Who: Allegedly Josephine Overaker who is listed by the FBI as a fugitive, and Jacob Ferguson

More Info:
Josephine Overaker
Jacob Ferguson

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Oakridge Ranger Station Arson

October 30, 1996

When: October 30, 1996

Where: Oakridge, Oregon

Damage: More than $5 million

Allegations: Kevin Tubbs, (alleged) Josephine Overaker and Jacob Ferguson targeted the Oakridge Ranger Station as an environmental direct action target because of their familiarity with the location from previous protests against large timber sales that were conducted in the area. On October 30th, 1996, the three activists used homemade incendiary devices to set fire to the building, causing over 5 million dollars in damage, plus lost research. According to snitch Ferguson, Overaker and Ferguson were responsible for lighting the fire, while Tubbs acted as a look out in a pick-up truck on a gravel road nearby. A newspaper deliveryman, who called 911 on his cell phone, spotted the arson in the morning.

Who: Jacob Ferguson and Josephine Overaker were responsible for igniting the building according to Ferguson, while Kevin Tubbs acted as lookout and driver.

More Info:
Kevin Tubbs
Josephine Overaker
Jacob Ferguson

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Caval West Horse Slaughterhouse Arson

July 21, 1997

When: July 21, 1997

Where: Redmond, OR

Damage: more than $1 million

Allegations: On July 21st, 1997, activists burned down a horse slaughterhouse that was located in Redmond, OR. The slaughterhouse, which killed healthy wild horses found on public land and then sold their meat for human consumption and dog food, in Japan, was responsible for the death of more than 500 horses weekly. For years, residents of Redmond had tried to shut down the facility because of the terrible stench, screams of dying horses, and horse blood that clogged the town drainage systems. After the fire, the factory was not rebuilt.

The Feds pressed for a terrorist enhancement to be attached to the arson charges, claiming that the arson was an attempt for activists to influence the policies of the government with the actions; the Court disagreed and failed to impose the enhancement.

Burns Horse Corral Arson

November 30, 1997

When: November 30, 1997

Where: Burns, Oregon

Damage: Around $121,000

Allegations: On November 30th, 1997, Animal Liberation Front activists broke into the Burns Horse Corral, on BLM land in Burns, Oregon. The corral was used to house wild horses that had been rounded up on public property, some of which were later sold to slaughterhouses by buyers in order to turn a profit. The activists destroyed the corrals to free the horses, and then used homemade incendiary devices to burn the barns to the ground. A communiqué was later written and sent to the ALF office, explaining the motives for the crime.

Who: Jacob Ferguson and (allegedly) Josephine Overaker were responsible for choosing the target. They later recruited Bill Rodgers, Kevin Tubbs and (allegedly) Rebecca Rubin to assist in the activity.

USDA APHIS and ADC Arsons

June 21, 1998

When: June 21, 1998

Where: Olympia, Washington

Damages: Over $1.5 million

Allegations: On June 21, 1998 animal rights and environmental activists targeted two locations in Olympia, Washington for arson. The first was the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services center, which was housed in the Forest Land Management Center. The fire was set around 3 in the morning, and caused over 1 million dollars in damages. Near the same time, a second arson occurred at the USDA Animal Damage Control Office, also located in Olympia. This second fire caused around $500,000 damage to the building. A communiqué was later send to the ALF/ELF offices claiming responsibility for the actions, which were a response to the government’s facilities that “make it a daily routine to kill and destroy wildlife."

Who: Jacob Ferguson and Bill Rodgers were responsible for lighting the fires, and Kevin Tubbs, (allegedly) Joseph Dibee and (allegedly) Josephine Overaker had support roles including reconnaissance and assisting with producing the incendiary devices.

BLM Wild Horse Holding Facility, Rocksprings, WY

September 1998

When: First attempt September 1998, Second Attempt October 11, 1998

Where: Rocksprings, Wyoming

Damages: $2,426.00 cost of aviation expenses for rounding up released horses

Allegations: Activists cut the locks of horse pens in a wild horse holding facility, releasing around 40 animals. Incendiary devices were later found near the facility, but had failed to function. The action was attempted twice, with the first attempt being aborted after police contact was made.

Redwood Coast Trucking Company Arson

September 21, 1998

When: September 21, 1998

Where: Arcata, California

Damages: $40,000

Allegations: On September 21, 1998 Jacob Ferguson and Kendall Tankersley attempted to burn 12 logging trucks located at the Redwood Coast Trucking Company in Arcata, California as a protest to logging. The two were successful in burning one truck, but the other 11 incendiary devices that they had used failed to function.

Who: Jacob Ferguson was responsible for placing and lighting 11 of the incendiary devices, and Kendall Tankersley placed one.

More Info:
Jacob Ferguson
Kendall Tankersley

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Vail Mountain Ski Facility Arson

October 19, 1998

When: October 19, 1998

Where: Vail, Colorado

Damages: $12 million in property damage, plus approx $12 million in lost business

Allegations: In October 1998, the Vail Ski Facility in Vail, Colorado was the target of several arsons. The arsons, which caused 12 million dollars in damages, destroyed the Two Elk Lodge and ski patrol headquarters and damaged four chairlift structures. The Earth Liberation Front claimed responsibility for the fires, bringing national attention to the environmental impact of industrial recreation. According to the ELF, plans to expand the ski facility would have impinged on some of the most important lynx habitat in Colorado. The arson was planned by several ELF members, though according to informants, Bill Rodgers was solely responsible for placing the devices and igniting them. Chelsea Gerlach acted as look out and driver for the action.

Who: After years without leads in the fire, Josephine Overaker, Chelsea Gerlach and Stanislas Meyerhoff were indicted based on Jacob Fergusons’s cooperation with the FBI. Meyerhoff and Gerlach also later turned informants. Ferguson was not part of the actual action but instead was part of the planning process and chose to snitch on his fellow activists as part of his plea agreement. His collaboration ensured that he was not prosecuted for the Vail arson. William Rodgers was also implicated, but later committed suicide in jail.

Jefferson Poplar Farm arson

May 21, 2001

Where: Clatskanie, Oregon

Damages: $994,412.42.

Allegations: The Jefferson Poplar Farm was targeted for arson by environmental activists because of its use of genetically modified, fast growing poplar trees, which were used for paper production and timber goods. The introduction of genetically modified species into the environment has a potentially devastating impact on the local biosphere, and for this reason it was chosen as the site of arson by the ELF. The arson at the poplar farm took place in conjunction with the University of Washington arson, “the double whammy,” which occurred on the same day and jointly targeted genetically modified poplar research.

University of Washington Arson

May 21, 2001

In opposition to endangering of native forests, the ELF claimed responsibility for the May 2001 arson of the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture and Professor Toby Bradshaw’s research on genetically engineering fast growing poplars for use in the timber industry. Bradshaw’s equipment, research, and work were impacted or destroyed by the water and smoke damage resulting from the fire.

According to the feds, four people actually took part: William Rodgers, Justin Solondz, Lacey Phillabaum, & Jennifer Kolar while Briana Waters acted as a look out. Lacey Phillabaum and Jennifer Kolar became informants for the FBI when they agreed to plea agreements in exchange for their testimonies against the others. Williams Rodgers committed suicide in custody on December 21, 2005. Since fall 2005 Justin Solondz has been abroad and on the FBI’s wanted list. In 2006, Briana Waters was indicted as well.

Damages: $1.5 million in damage, center was rebuilt for $7.2 million in 2004

For more information on this event read more about: UW Arson

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BLM Litchfield Wild Horse Facility Arson and Release

October 15, 2001

Where: Litchfield, CA

Damages: $207,497.60.

Allegations: Four incendiary devices were set at the BLM Litchfield Wild Horse Facility on October 15th, 2001. The facility was targeted because it was used as a holding facility for wild horses that were rounded up on public lands and later sent for slaughter, to be sold as horsemeat. The devices were placed in a hay barn, which burned to the ground.

Who: (allegedly) Joseph Dibee, Darren Thurston, (allegedly) Rebecca Rubin, Jennifer Kolar, Stanislas Meyerhoff, and (allegedly) Justin Solondz were all involved in the action in some way. Tubbs was a driver, while Meyerhoff and Kolar set the incendiary devices.

Jacob Ferguson Begins Cooperating with Authorities

September 2004

Allegations: In September of 2004, Jacob Ferguson, who would be the informant responsible for the indictment of many of the Green Scare defendants, began cooperating with the FBI and wearing a wire to record the conversations of former friends and others that were part of the movement.

The decision to snitch came after Ferguson had a close call with police, who were investigating the Romania car dealership arsons, one of the only arsons Ferguson did not participate in, and began talking with his roommate, Heather Coburn, looking for leads on the unsolved arson after she called the police on him and falsely accused him of stealing her truck. Ferguson, a heroin addict and long-time criminal, was particularly paranoid about police and had become somewhat unstable by this time.

He obtained a court-appointed attorney and walked into the US Attorneys offices and agreed to do whatever they said in exchange for money and a promise of no prison time. Because Ferguson played such a primary role in the string of arsons, he chose to betray the trust of fellow activists who did not suspect his role as a collaborator because of his punk past and tattooed forehead.

Despite the fact that he was involved in almost every Green Scare arson, he will never serve a day in jail, or pay a dollar in restitution as his reward for being the feds boy. He eventually provided the FBI with the information that led to the indictments of 11 Green Scare victims.

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Operation Backfire Arrests Begin

December 7, 2005

Allegations: On December 7, 2005, one of the largest roundups of environmental and animal liberation activists in American history began. Using the code name “Operation Backfire,” the FBI arrested seven people in four different states. Chelsea Gerlach, Darren Thurston, William Rodgers, Kendall Tankersley (Sarah Kendall Harvey), Kevin Tubbs, Daniel McGowan and Stanislas Meyerhoff were arrested for allegedly taking part in a wide variety of actions the government attributes to the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF).

On that very same day, several people across the Pacific Northwest were subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury to be convened in Eugene, Oregon. One of those taken into custody, Darren Thurston (a Canadian citizen), was served with a subpoena and later indicted in US District Court with federal conspiracy charges and charges related to the arson of a horse corral near Susanville, California.

Within days of the first arrests it was revealed that a paid informant, Jacob Ferguson, admitted to planning and participating in several of the earliest arsons and had given federal investigators and prosecutors information that allegedly supported the indictments. It was also revealed that Meyerhoff had agreed to be a federal cooperating witness almost immediately upon arrest and interrogation.

Death of Activist William Rodgers

December 22, 2005

William Rodgers, long time environmental activist and animal rights advocate was found dead in his jail cell in Flagstaff, Arizona, from an apparent suicide after being arrested as part of the Operation Backfire roundup. Rodgers worked at the Catalyst Bookstore and Infoshop in Prescott, Arizona, and was involved in ecological struggles for many years in different parts of the United States. In a letter mailed to his friends shortly before his body was found, Rodgers wrote the following:

“To my friends and supporters to help them make sense of all these events that have happened so quickly: Certain human cultures have been waging war against the Earth for millennia. I chose to fight on the side of bears, mountain lions, skunks, bats, saguaros, cliff rose and all things wild. I am just the most recent casualty in that war. But tonight I have made a jail break—I am returning home, to the Earth, to the place of my origins. “

More Info
William “Avalon” Rodgers

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US Attorney General Files Sweeping Conspiracy Indictment

January 20, 2006

Allegations: Federal prosecutors and now defiled former US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced a sweeping 65-count indictment, including two conspiracy charges, against 11 individuals relating to 17 different incidents in Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado and California. The indictment alleged that the accused were members of a fictional network, referred to in the indictments as “The Family,” and that they had conspired to commit several acts of arson. The decision to allege that such a grand conspiracy network existed was rooted in the Feds desire to link a variety of unconnected incidents together in order to prosecute individuals for crimes on which the statute of limitations had expired (i.e too much time had passed since the incident for prosecution to take place). The government used this charge and the conspiracy charge to coerce individuals to become informants by threatening them with multiple life sentences for acts of property destruction that caused no injuries. In addition to the six people arrested on December 7, the Oregon indictment also named Jonathan Paul, Suzanne Savoie, Joseph Dibee, Rebecca Rubin and Josephine Overaker. Paul was arrested in Oregon a few days before the indictment was announced, and Savoie turned herself in soon after Paul’s arrest. Dibee, Rubin and Overaker are believed to be out of the country.

In the weeks that followed, the government coerced and intimidated the defendants with various threats -- primarily, life in prison. Five individuals were then revealed as “confidential sources” for the government’s case. As a result of the information provided by these new government informants, on February 23, 2006, Nathan Fraser Block and Joyanna L. Zacher were arrested in Olympia, Washington. The government issued a new indictment on March 15, 2006, which included Block and Zacher who were held in custody and faced life plus 1,115 years in prison for their minor roles in two separate arsons.

Allegations: Jeff Hogg, a nursing student and caregiver for disabled adults in Eugene, Oregon, spent almost half a year incarcerated for his principled stance against grand jury abuse. Jeff Hogg was subpoenaed to testify in front of a federal grand jury on May 18, 2006, in Eugene. He refused to testify before this grand jury, and was held in contempt by Judge Michael Hogan and sent to jail without having been charged with any crime. The grand jury was scheduled to expire on September 29, 2006, but days before Hogg was to regain his freedom, the federal government unbelievably extended the grand jury for six more months. Following the global resolution of the remaining District of Oregon cases, Hogg's lawyer filed for the release of his client (a previous appeal, to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, had been unsuccessful.) On November 15, 2006, Hogg was released from the Josephine County jail in Grants Pass, Oregon, rejoining his partner and community.

More Info:
Jeff Hogg

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Briana Waters Arrest

May 30, 2006

Where: Seattle, WA

Allegations: As a result of cooperating codefendants, on March 30, 2006, Briana Waters was arrested in Seattle, Washington, and was indicted in Washington. She was accused of participation in the arson at the University of Washington, where she was said to act as a lookout. Lacey Phillabaum, who turned informant when she was threatened with up to 35 years imprisonment for her involvement in the arsons, gave Briana’s name and information. Both Phillabaum and Jennifer Kolar testified against Waters at her federal jury trial. Waters, a mother of two and violin teacher, proclaims her innocence still. She was sentenced to 6 years in prison and recently won her appeal. A new trial date is pending.

Cooperating Defendants Take Pleas

July 20, 2006 - July 21, 2006

Where: Eugene, OR

Allegations: On July 20 and 21 of 2006, cooperating defendants Thurston, Tubbs, Tankersley, Meyerhoff, Gerlach and Savoie pled guilty to a variety of conspiracy, arson and attempted arson charges in US District Court in Eugene. Federal prosecutors recommended that Thurston be sentenced to 37 months imprisonment; Tubbs, 168 months; Tankersley, 51 months; Meyerhoff, 188 months; Gerlach, 120 months; and Savoie, 63 months. All remaining charges against these defendants have been waived, and no additional charges will be brought against them in other districts due to their compliance with the government’s terms of cooperation. The presiding judge granted motions by the cooperating defendants’ attorneys to seal all plea petitions, cooperation agreements, and the transcripts of the public court hearings, thus making them unavailable for public scrutiny. On August 22, 2006, upon the motion of the non-cooperating defendants, the judge granted a motion to unseal these documents but for the paragraphs regarding cooperation.

During the two days of cooperating defendant plea deal hearings, the government announced that it would pursue upward enhancements of sentences for the six taking pleas, arguing that the federal terrorism enhancement applied to their sentences as well. These ‘terrorist enhancements,’ when successfully applied to cases, substantially increase the amount of time that defendants spend behind bars as well as the conditions of their imprisonment, and have been used in recent years to target environmental and animal advocates for actions of property damage that had no impact on human life as a means of silencing activist voices and instilling fear of speaking out against environmental crimes.

Non-Cooperating Defendants Enter Pleas

November 9, 2006

Where: Eugene, Oregon

Allegations: Joyanna Zacher, Nathan Block, Daniel McGowan and Jonathan Paul appeared in federal court to enter pleas related to conspiracy and acts of property destruction and arson. As part of this agreement, the four defendants withdrew their motion to obtain materials from possible National Security Agency surveillance. The global resolution agreement for the four defendants expressly indicated that Zacher, Block, McGowan and Paul accept their personal participation in crimes, but that these four have not, and will not, provide information on, inculpate, or reveal the identities of anyone else. The four plea agreements were not sealed and are accessible to the public. Despite the agreement however, federal prosecutors asked the court to apply a "terrorism enhancement" at sentencing.

More Info:
Nathan Block
Joyanna Zacher
Jonathan Paul
Daniel McGowan

Cooperating and Non-Cooperating Defendants Sentenced

May 22, 2007 - June 5, 2007

Where: Oregon

Allegations: The sentencing for the Oregon Operation Backfire defendants began on May 22nd, 2007. Prior to the sentencing hearings, Judge Aiken had ruled that the terrorism enhancement-which would significantly increase the sentence and type of imprisonment for the defendants - was generally applicable to the Green Scare cases. At the ensuing sentencing hearings, the terrorist enhancement was applied to all defendants except for Thurston, Tankersley and Paul. The sentences were as follows:

Stanislas Meyerhoff received a sentence of 156 months for conspiracy, counts of arson/attempted arson from seven different incidents, plus one count of destruction of an energy facility;

Jonathan Paul, 51 months for conspiracy plus one count of arson. Jonathan Paul’s sentence was disputed by his lawyer, and was then held in abeyance until a new hearing that took place on August 1, 2007. Paul’s 51-month sentence was upheld during the August 1 hearing; Paul was the last of the sentenced Oregon defendants to report to federal prison, self-surrendering at FCI Phoenix on October 31, 2007.

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Jacob Ferguson Sentencing

June 3, 2008

Where: Eugene, OR

Allegations: On June 3rd, 2008, a judge sentenced Jacob Ferguson to 5 years of probation for his involvement in the string of arsons committed by the ELF over more than a decade. Ferguson was a leader involved in most of the arsons, often placing the incendiary devices that caused the fires. He turned informant in 2004 and began snitching on friends and wearing a wire to help federal investigators with the case against others. He pleaded guilty to one out of dozens of arsons, related to the action at the Forest Service Station in Detroit, Oregon. He spent no time in jail, was paid by the government, and currently resides in Eugene, Oregon.

The SHAC 7

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SHAC7 Conviction

Allegations: The SHAC 7 are 6 animal rights activists and the organization Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty USA (SHAC USA) who were convicted on March 2, 2006, under the controversial Federal Animal Enterprise Protection Act. The Act punishes anyone who "physically disrupts" an animal enterprise. The charges stem from these activists' alleged participation in an international campaign to close the notorious product-testing lab Huntingdon Life Sciences. Specifically, these activists are alleged to have operated a website that reported on and expressed ideological support for protest activity against Huntingdon and its business affiliates. For this they are charged with "terrorism" and faced an aggregate of 23 years in Federal Prison.

AETA

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University of Iowa Animal Liberation

November 14, 2004

Where: University of Iowa Research Laboratories

Damages: $450,000

Allegations: Scott Demuth indicted on conspiracy to violate the AETA.

Carrie Feldman and Demuth, 17 at time of raid, were initially subpoenaed to a grand jury investigating the liberation. Both refused to cooperate and were imprisoned. DeMuth was later indicted for the crim. In November of 2004, the University of Iowa was targeted by animal activists for their use of animals for experimentation and research. During the night of November 14th, several activists snuck into the lab and took a variety of animals, including rabbits, mice and baby chickens, for later release. The raid, which the ALF claimed responsibility for, was responsible for more than 400 animals being released from the Spence psychology labs at the University of Iowa. The liberators also smashed computers that contained research material, with total damages reaching around $450,000. The feds’ evidence appears to be a grainy, dark video that shows 3 adult figures.

Who: Scott Demuth, an Iowa resident, was indicted on conspiracy charges related to the incident; those charges have now been dismissed against him. Unknown “others” remain unindicted at this time.

More Info:
Scott Demuth

AETA4 Protests and Arrests

February 19, 2009 - February 20, 2009

Where: UC Berkeley

Allegations: The UC Berkeley system has recently been in the spotlight for its animal research programs, which has made it the target of a variety of legal and illegal direct actions by animal rights groups. However, in February 2009 four activists were arrested not in connection with any of the illegal activities that targeted the University, but rather for exercising their first amendment rights. Joseph Buddenberg, Maryam Kharjavi, Nathan Pope and Adriana Stumpo (now known as the AETA 4) were arrested for marching outside the homes of UC Berkeley vivisector faculty who performed animal research there. Along with marching, the four activists chanted slogans, wrote on the sidewalk with chalk, and yelled. Additionally, they were charged with using the Internet to look up addresses of UC Berkeley faculty so that other protests could be staged outside their homes. Because of these actions, the group was indicted on charges of conspiracy to violate the AETA. In July of 2010, a federal judge threw out the indictment, saying, in part, “While “true threats” enjoy no First Amendment protection, picketing and political protest are at the very core of what is protected by the First Amendment. “

AETA 2

March 5, 2009

Where: Utah

Who: William James Veihl and Alex Hall

Allegations: On March 5th, 2009, the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the FBI arrested two animal rights activists. William “BJ” Veihl and Alex Hall were charged with 2 counts of interfering with an animal enterprise,” violating the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. They were indicted by a grand jury for suspicion of a raid at two Utah mink farms in August and October of the previous year. During the first raid, in South Jordan, Utah, activists released hundred of minks that were part of a fur operation.

Trial Date: BJ Veihl and Alex Hall have both pleaded guilty and have been sentenced pursuant to non-cooperation agreements.

More Info:
BJ Veihl
Alex Hall

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Iowa AETA Case: Prosecuting Anarchism

November 2009

Allegations: The Animal Liberation Front reportedly claimed credit for the 2004 break-in at the University of Iowa’s Psychology Department, removing lab rats and mice and vandalizing computers. There were no reported injuries. In November 2009, just days before the five year statute of limitations expired (the date after which the government could no longer bring charges), prosecutors subpoenaed Scott DeMuth, a 22-year old Dakota language student and sociology graduate student at the University of Minnesota, and 20-year old Carrie Feldman, to testify before a grand jury said to be investigating the incident (Scott was 18 and Carrie was 15 at the time of the alleged incident). The government gave no public reason for believing the two had any information.

Both Demuth and Feldman appeared before the grand jury but refused on principle to testify, and each publicly denounced the process as a star chamber that utilizes secret evidence and deprives witnesses of their right to counsel and other basic constitutional protections. In clear retaliation for refusing to testify, U.S. Attorney Cronk had DeMuth indicted under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act for conspiring to commit the lab break-in, despite the fact that the law was enacted two years after the break-in and cannot apply retroactively; despite the fact that DeMuth was a minor at the time of the alleged break-in; and despite the prosecutor’s apparent total lack of evidence. The US Attorney made a number of statements regarding his disdain for anarchists and the political philosophy of anarchism, claiming that DeMuth was a threat to his community because he failed to disavow any association with the anarchist movement. Shortly before his trial, the Prosecutor agreed to dismiss this charge against DeMuth in exchange for his plea to a misdemeanor conspiracy charge in connection with an unrelated ferret release. Several other animal rights activists have been named in search warrant affidavits or have had their homes raided as a result of this investigation.

Who: Carrie Feldman and Scott DeMuth

Walter Bond Arrested and Convicted

July 23, 2010 - February 11, 2011

Walter Bond was arrested on July 23, 2010 and has plead guilty to the arson of the Sheepskin Factory in Colorado and openly admits that he is the ALF (Animal Liberation Front) "Lone Wolf". Bond has plead not guilty to federal charges. He has also been indicted in Utah for a the arsons of the Tandy Leather Factory and Tiburon (foie gras restaurant).

Walter's brother alerted the FBI and the ATF about his suspicions that his brother, Walter, was behind the attacks. While Walter was visiting Denver in July 2010, his brother helped participate in a sting operation, allegedly wearing a wire and helping procure audio evidence against Walter. He was arrested in Denver and is now being held in the Jefferson County Jail in Golden, Colorado. Walter was sentenced the minimum of 5 years and 3 years probation in Colorado on February 11th. He currently awaiting other charges.

★

Scott Demuth Sentenced

February 14, 2011

Scott pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy to commit animal enterprise terrorism in violation of the Animal Enterprise Protection Act–a misdemeanor–for an animal liberation that took place in Minnesota in 2006.

At issue in court was the possibility of restitution. The plea agreement made no mention of restitution, but the pre sentence report suggested that he pay over $20,000 to cover damages incurred by the farm going out of business–despite the fact that it didn’t go out of business until months later. It is not actually legal to consider projected earnings in restitution, and the prosecutor conceded that the actual damages were well under $10,000. He cited a recent letter from farm owner Latzig in which he claimed to have lost approximately 30 ferrets, at a cost of $75 per female and $125 per male. This conflicts with the numbers given by Latzig in the initial police report, when he claimed to have recovered all but ten of his ferrets, valued at $40 each.

In the end, arguments over the amount of restitution became moot when Judge Jarvey conceded that restitution could not be imposed because it had not been mentioned during the plea agreement proceedings. He seemed displeased with this outcome, and suggested that if Scott were truly remorseful he would offer willingly to pay restitution to the farm owner.

The plea agreement made explicit that Scott would be sentenced to no less than six months, but defense attorney Michael Deutsch requested that Scott serve this time in either the halfway house or on house arrest. He cited the five years since the liberation during which Scott has remained law abiding, the numerous character letters written on his behalf, and the space and resources that would be wasted on his incarceration.

In a surprising turn, federal judge John Jarvey ordered Scott be taken into custody immediately at the sentencing. This is virtually unheard of for a misdemeanor charge in which the defendant clearly poses no flight risk or danger to the community. This decision was clearly motivated by a desire by the judge to further punish Scott based on the political nature of the crime, not by any legal precedent or safety concern.

Scott is currently being transferred to a local county jail to await his placement in a federal prison. Information on how to send him books, commissary money and letters will be posted as soon as his location is confirmed.

People

Craig Marshall

June 16, 2000 - 2006

Charge: Conspiracy to commit first-degree arson and possession of a destructive device

Allegations ;Craig “Critter” Marshall was implicated along with Jeff “Free” Luers for the arson that damaged three SUVs at the Joe Romania car dealership in Eugene, Oregon. The targets were chosen because of the detrimental impact that SUVs have on the environment. Marshall was offered a non-cooperation plea deal after Free’s first lawyer died during the trial. Craig pleaded guilty to two charges and was sentenced to 5 ½ years in jail.

Sentence: 5 ½ years

Jeff Luers

June 16, 2000 - 12/16/2009

Charge: Arson in the first degree, criminal mischief in the first degree, unlawful manufacture of a destructive device, unlawful possession of a destructive device, attempted arson in the first degree and attempted criminal mischief in the first degree.
Sentence Date: June 2001
Allegations: Jeff “Free” Luers is a committed environmental, social justice and anti-oppression activist that has been agitating for change since 1996. On June 16, 2000, he and codefendant Craig “Critter” Marshall, set fire to three SUVs at the Joe Romania car dealership in Eugene, Oregon as a protest against the environmental impact caused by the use of such vehicles and their contribution to global climate change. The judge decided to use Free as an example, and he was convicted of 11 felony charges for this act, including several mandatory minimum charges. He was sentenced to nearly 23 years in prison for one small fire, which harmed no individuals and cause around $40,000 in damages. Eventually, Free’s attorneys were able to appeal the ruling and have the sentence reduced to 10 years. Free was released on December 16th, 2009 after serving 9.5 years.
Sentence: 22 years and 8 months, but later reduced to 10 years
More Info: http://www.freefreenow.org

Briana Waters

2001 - 5/26/2013

Charges: one count conspiracy, two counts of Arson, possession of an incendiary device
Convicted: two counts of arson; March 6, 2008
Allegations: Briana Waters is a violin teacher, mother and environmental activist who has maintained her commitment to nonviolence, denying her participation in the acts of arson against the University of Washington in which she is accused of acting as a lookout. Her codefendants, Lacey Philabaum and Jennifer Kolar attempted to incriminate her in exchange for their own sentencing leniency. Waters, prior to her arrest in 2001, directed a documentary about nonviolent protest being used in a successful campaign to prevent timber sales in Washington. Waters refused to cooperate with authorities during the investigative process despite a possible 30-year sentence being held over her head. She went to trial on multiple charges, was convicted of two, and was sentenced to 6 years in prison in Connecticut—thousands of miles from her young daughter who lives in California. She appealed her convictions and recently the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in her favor, remanding the case for a new trial. Further news is pending at this time.
Sentence: 6 years plus terrorist enhancement
Release Date: 5/26/13 with good behavior
More Info: www.supportbriana.com

Kevin Kjonaas

May 26, 2004 - 1/24/12

Charge: Conspiracy to violate the Animal Enterprise Protection Act, Conspiracy to Stalk, three counts of Interstate Stalking, Conspiracy to Harass using a Telecommunications Device
Sentence: 6 years. Kevin began serving his sentence on November 16, 2007
Allegations: Kevin Kjonaas is one of the six defendants that were convicted in the SHAC 7 case, which targeted animal activists who were working on the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty campaign. The activists are alleged to have operated a website that reported on and expressed ideological support for protest activity against Huntingdon, the largest animal testing contractor in the world, and its business affiliates. They were prosecuted under the Animal Enterprise Protection Act. Kevin has been active in the movement for 10 years and worked on the following campaigns: SOAR primate research campaign, vegan college dining hall campaigns, fur campaigns, Newchurch Guinea Pigs, Shamrock Monkey Farm, Neiman Marcus fur campaign, campaign to close Huntingdon Life Sciences.
Release date: 1/24/12 with good behavior
More Info: http://www.shac7.com

Darius Fullmer

May 26, 2004 - September 29, 2007

Charge: Conspiracy to violate the Animal Enterprise Protection Act
Sentence: 1 year and 1 day
Allegations: Darius Fullmer is one of the six defendants that were convicted in the SHAC 7 case, which targeted animal activists who were working on the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty campaign. The activists are alleged to have operated a website that reported on and expressed ideological support for protest activity against Huntingdon, the largest worldwide animal testing contractor, and its business affiliates. They were prosecuted under the Animal Enterprise Protection Act. Darius co-founded and organized New York University’s student animal rights group - worked with school officials to bring vegan options to dining halls, campaigned against animal testing at NYU, co-founded and organized Animal Defense League- New Jersey, who organized countless outreach and educational events, organized hundreds of protests against the fur trade, including the Fur-Free New Jersey Tour, as well as the campaign against HLS.
Release Date: September 29, 2007
More Info: http://www.shac7.com/dari/index.htm

Andrew Stepanian

May 26, 2004 - 5/6/09

Charge: Conspiracy to violate the AEPA
Trial Date: September 19, 2006
Allegations: Originally from Long Island, New York, Andy Stephanian is one of 6 activists who were targeted for their work to close Huntingdon Life Science, a contract animal research facility. Andy and the other activists, known as the SHAC7, were targeted for legitimate campaigning and were convicted not for any criminal action, but rather were charged with a conspiracy charge for their role in helping to organize the campaign. Andy is a long time activist, with 14 years of experience working for animal advocacy. His past campaigns include lobbying for animal and environmental protection legislation, direct action against fur stores, bicycle advocacy and work with Food Not Bombs, an organization that provides free, vegan food to those in need.
Sentence: 36 months
Release Date: 5/6/09
More Info: http://www.myspace.com/andystepanianhttp://www.shac7.com/

Lauren Gazzola

May 26, 2004 - 8/13/10

Charge: Conspiracy to violate the Animal Enterprise Protection Act, Conspiracy to Stalk, three counts of Interstate Stalking, Conspiracy to Harass using a Telecommunications Device
Sentence: 52 months which she began serving on November 16, 2006
Allegations: Lauren is one of the six defendants that were convicted in the SHAC 7 case, which targeted animal activists who were working on the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty campaign. The activists are alleged to have operated a website that reported on and expressed ideological support for protest activity against Huntingdon, the largest animal testing contractor in the world, and its business affiliates. They were prosecuted under the Animal Enterprise Protection Act.

Lauren has been active in the animal rights movement for 9 years and she worked with New York University student group to bring vegan options to the dining halls, campaigned against vivisection at NYU, various fur campaigns, and the campaign against Huntingdon Life Sciences. While in prison she completed a master’s degree and is now pursuing a law degree.
Release Date: 8/13/10
More Info: http://www.shac7.com/lauren/index.htm

Jacob Conroy

May 26, 2004 - May 4, 2010

Charge: Conspiracy to violate the Animal Enterprise Protection Act, Conspiracy to Stalk, three counts of Interstate Stalking, Conspiracy to Harass using a Telecommunications Device
Sentence: 4 years
Allegations: Jake is one of 6 defendants that together comprise the SHAC7, a group of animal rights activists that were the target of a prosecution under the 1992 Animal Enterprise Protection Act. He and the others were indicted for their attempts to shut down Huntingdon Life Sciences, an animal research lab where the group publicized and documented many animal abuses. Jake has been active in the animal rights and environmentalist movement since 1995. The Connecticut born Seattle resident has been active against Seattle fur retailers, whale hunts and animal testing. He also is a passionate vegan who loves “Hiking, camping, design, liberation struggles and direct action history, eating sweets, crappy music and bad movies.”
Release Date: May 4, 2010

Joshua Harper

May 26, 2004 - July 2, 2009

Joshua Harper
Charge: conspiracy to utilize a telecommunication device, AEPA
Sentence Date March 2nd, 2006
Allegations: Josh Harper is one of the six defendants that were convicted in the SHAC 7 case, which targeted animal activists who were working on the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty campaign. The activists are alleged to have operated a website that reported on and expressed ideological support for protest activity against Huntingdon, the largest animal testing contractor in the world, and its business affiliates. They were prosecuted under the Animal Enterprise Protection Act. Josh has been active in the animal rights scene for 11 years and has also worked on campaigns against the Makah whale hunt, the Berkeley Langur Monkeys campaign, and the Good Samaritan Vivisection Campaign in Portland, Oregon. He was released after serving 3 years.
Release Date: July 2, 2009
More Info: http://www.shac7.com

Jacob Ferguson

September 2004 - October 26, 2007

Charge: Arson and attempted arson
Sentence Date: January 10, 2007
Allegations: Jacob Ferguson is an FBI informant who is responsible for the FBI cracking open Operation Backfire and indicting many of the Greenscare activists. Ferguson, who is a petty criminal, heroin addict, and life-long arsonist, has admitted participation in most of the alleged arsons and has also admitted leadership roles in the direct actions. On October 26th, 2007, Ferguson entered a plea of “guilty: for one count of arson and one count of attempted arson, concerning a fire at the Detroit Ranger Station on October 28, 1996. Following his FBI deal in September of 2004, Ferguson began wearing a wire to secretly record his friends and fellow activists in order to gather information about direct actions for the FBI. Because of his plea, and because of his snitch status in the case, Ferguson will not be charged for the plentitude of other arsons that he was involved in. It is believed that Ferguson also collected a large sum of money for his weakness.
Potential Sentence: 20 years
Sentence: 5 years probation, no jail, fine or restitution

Justin Solondz

2005 - Present

Justin Solondz
Charges: indicted in absentia in 2006
Convicted: n/a
Allegations: Justin Solondz is an environmental activist that was indicted for involvement in the arson that targeted genetically modified plant research at the University of Washington in 2001 as well as the arson of a BLM horse corral in California. Solondz was out of the country when he was indicted in fall of 2005, and was put on the FBI fugitive list. He lived abroad for several years before being arrested for drug charges in China in 2009. He is serving 3 years in a Chinese prison before returning the US to stand trial for charges from 2006.

Kevin Tubbs

December 7, 2005 - 11/23/2016

Charge: Conspiracy, conspiracy to commit arson of an energy facility, arson, attempted arson
Arrest Date: December 7, 2005
Allegations: Animal rights proponent and activist Kevin Tubbs was involved in a variety of earth defense and animal liberation events in the Northwest. In most cases, Tubbs acted as a lookout or a driver, and was never responsible for setting or lighting incendiary devices. Tubbs was extensively secretly recorded by his ole friend Jake Ferguson who got him to admit to his participation in a number of their joint crimes. He became a cooperating informant, pleaded guilty to 9 arsons, including the Caval West horse slaughterhouse arson, the Superior Lumber arson, Jefferson Poplar arson and Childers Meat Company arson. His legal counsel was less than superb, and the Judge hammered him at sentencing giving him 12 years, 7 months including the terrorist enhancement.
Sentence: 12 years 7 months plus terrorist enhancement
Release Date: 11/23/16 with good behavior
More Info: http://supportkevintubbs.com

★

William Rogers

December 7, 2005

William Rogers
Charge: Arson
Arrest Date: December 7, 2005
Allegations: William “Avalon” Rodgers was one of 6 activists arrested during the FBI's first crackdown on environmental advocates known as Operation Backfire. He was charged with one count of arson for a June 1998 fire set by the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) at the National Wildlife Research Center in Olympia, Washington. Rogers was a co-proprietor of an infoshop and bookstore called The Catalyst. He was a vocal supporter of indigenous struggles, animal rights, and sustainable living. According to the Feds, Avalon was the principle leader in the group of activists called the “Book Club” who used direct action in animal defense and environmental protection. Avalon was also purported to be the author of a variety of manuals on arson, and to have taught other activists how to use incendiary devices for direct action campaigns. Rogers was found dead in his cell on December 21st, 2005(Winter Solstice) from apparent suicide. In a letter sent to his friends and family before his death, Avalon wrote:
““To my friends and supporters to help them make sense of all these events that have happened so quickly: Certain human cultures have been waging war against the Earth for millennia. I chose to fight on the side of bears, mountain lions, skunks, bats, saguaros, cliff rose and all things wild. I am just the most recent casualty in that war. But tonight I have made a jail break—I am returning home, to the Earth, to the place of my origins. “
Since his death, animal and environmental activists have continued to be inspired by the life and actions of Avalon. Among these dedications have been the removal of 28 beagle puppies from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Independent University of Madrid and the burning of a partially constructed development in Ontario, Canada.
Sentence: n/a
More Info:

Stanislas Meyerhoff

December 7, 2005 - 12/25/2016

Charge: Conspiracy, conspiracy to commit arson of an energy facility, multiple counts of arson and attempted arson, destruction of an energy facility
Arrest Date: December 7, 2005
Allegations: Stanislas Meyerhoff was a prolific member of the ELF, who believed that direct action was the best way to stop destructive environmental practices. In his time working with the ELF, he contributed to 21 different arsons targeting environmentally destructive companies or facilities and was known for building and teaching others to build ignition devices. Soon after his arrest, Meyerhoff agreed to extensively snitch on fellow activists and work as an informant for the FBI. His recommended sentence was 15 years and eight months, and he was convicted of toppling the BPA power tower, arsons at Vail ski resort, Childers Meat co., Boise Cascade, Eugene police substation, Joe Romania car dealership, Superior Lumber and Jefferson Poplar Farm.
In May 2004, Meyerhoff was sentenced to 156 months in prison and 3 years of probation. He was given Terrorism Enhancements for Jefferson Poplar, Romania Car Dealership and the Eugene Police substation arsons. He continues to cooperate in order to earn a further reduction in his prison sentence.
Sentence: 13 years plus terrorist enhancement
Release Date: 12/25/2016. With good behavior: 7/8/15
More Info:

Chelsea Gerlach

December 7, 2005 - October 10, 2013

Charge: Arson, aiding and abetting arson, destruction of an energy facility, using and carrying a destructive device
Arrest Date: December 7, 2005
Sentence Date: May 27, 2007
Allegations: A long time environmental activist, Chelsea became involved in the eco movement from a young age. At 14, she spoke at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference in Eugene. At 16, she was participating in forest defense campaigns to protect woodlands. She became involved in the ELF after meeting Bill Rodgers in Idaho at a direct action. After becoming frustrated with the lack of success that came with traditional environmental activism, Gerlach increased her participation in actions that she believed had a more direct impact on changing destructive environmental policies. She participated in a variety of campaigns, including the Vail ski resort arson, and other destructive actions at an electrical transmission tower; timber research centers; a Eugene police station; and other sites in five Western states that the cell viewed as threats to the environment. Unfortunately, Chelsea turned her back on that movement when she agreed to become a cooperating witness for the FBI. She worked zealously to provide tons of information to the feds about actions, philosophy, and individual activists. She also attempted to convince her codefendants to become snitches like her (she was successful with Darren Thurston). She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 9 years in prison.
Sentence: 108 months plus terrorist enhancement
Release Date: October 10, 2013 with good behavior
More Info: Http://supportchelsea.net

Daniel McGowan

December 7, 2005 - 6/5/2013

Charge: Conspiracy, multiple counts of arson, carrying a destructive device
Arrest Date: December 7, 2005
Allegations: Daniel was arrested and charged in 2005 with multiple arson charges, conspiracy charges and carrying a destructive device. These charges were in connection to his involvement in the arson of Superior Lumber company in Glendale, Oregon on January 2, 2001 and Jefferson Poplar Farms in Clatskanie, Oregon on May 21, 2001, both claimed by the Earth Liberation Front. Daniel has been a long time activist and community member with a devotion to social justice and environmentalism. According to his support website,
“He has worked for non-profits that focus on national forest protection, rainforest conservation and the rights of indigenous people. Most recently, Daniel worked on counter-recruitment as a proactive response to the government's wars. He helped organize a picket of a local military recruitment center in his old neighborhood in Brooklyn and passed out literature to high school kids that explained many non-military options for paying for college. Daniel also helped organize 'really, really free markets' in NYC which are markets where everything (food, clothes, services, books, etc) are free and available to all. When he was arrested, Daniel was employed as a Webmaster for Womenslaw.org, an organization that operates a website with resources on domestic violence.”
During his case, Daniel refused to cooperate with the federal government and continued to contribute to his movements. After being imprisoned, the Bureau of Prisons transferred him to a secret terrorist prison called a “Communication Management Unit” in a final attempt to silence him. He has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the legality of the CMU and is awaiting news on his recent transfer request. In the face of everything the feds have thrown at him, Daniel continues to be an intelligent, active member of the progressive social change movement
Sentence: 82 months plus terrorist enhancement
Release Date: 6/5/13 with good behavior
More Info: http://supportdaniel.org

Darren Thurston

December 7, 2005 - 8/14/08

Charge: Conspiracy, arson with an incendiary device, two federal charges for the possession of fraudulent identification
Arrest Date: December 7, 2005
Allegations: Daren Thurston, a Canadian citizen, was a long time animal rights activist prior to his arrest during Operation Backfire. He worked with such organizations and campaigns as Bear Watch, Anti-Racist Action, Friends of the Elaho and the BC Compassion Club. He was later charged on various criminal charges related to animal liberation and animal rights activism. He was arrested along with Chelsea Gerlach during Operation Backfire and while in jail, was convinced by Gerlach to become an informant as well. He left the non-cooperating defendants behind and pleaded guilty pursuant to a cooperating plea agreement to arson and conspiracy charges. He received one of the shortest sentences of the Operation Backfire defendants and was later deported to Canada where he has attempted to rejoin the movement he betrayed.
Sentence: 37 months
Release Date: 8/14/08

Eric McDavid

January 13, 2006 - 2/4/2023

Arrest Date: January 13, 2006
Charge: Conspiracy to destroy property by fire and explosive
Allegations: Environmental activist Eric McDavid had no prior record and no history of violence when he was convicted for a conspiracy charge and sentenced to nearly twenty years in prison. At the time this was the longest standing sentence for an environmental activist. His charge of conspiracy was based on the work and testimony of a woman called “Anna,” an 18-year old paid FBI informant who was given $65,000 to entrap Eric and his friends. Anna, a provocateur, provided funding, instructions, and encouragement for her idea to blow up a dam. She later testified against Eric and his friends at trial. She also posed as a medic and Indymedia journalist to spy on political movements for the FBI within the U.S. and Europe. Eric appealed his thought crime conviction but the Appeals Court recently denied him any relief.
Sentence: 19 years 7 months
Release Date: February 4, 2023 with good behavior
More Info: http://supporteric.org

Jonathan Paul

January 17, 2006 - July 4, 2011

Jonathan Paul
Charge: Arson
Arrest Date: January 17, 2006
Allegations: Longtime vegan and life-long environmental and animal advocate, Jonathan Paul was arrested and charged for the arson that burned down the Caval West horse slaughterhouse in Redmond, OR. The slaughterhouse, which was never rebuilt following the fire, killed more than 500 horses weekly. During his prosecution, Paul refused to incriminate other activists involved in the fire, leading him to receive a harsher punishment than if he had snitched.
Paul was a well-respected activist and community member. From 1999 until the time he reported to prison in October of 2007, Jonathan served his community as an Emergency Medical Technician and volunteer firefighter. In his many years of activism, he participated in a variety of actions related to animal advocacy. In 1990, Paul spent a year documenting fur farms across the country and posed as a legitimate buyer, purchasing a fur farm and rehabilitating over 65 mink, 2 Canadian Lynx and 2 bobcats. In 1995, he co-founded the non-profit Sea Defense Alliance to stop the annual shark hunt in the waters off Santa Cruz, California, and to protest the low frequency sonar ships looking for oil off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. He co-founded Ocean Defense International in 1999 to advocate for whales and stop whaling in the US and abroad. He was also well known as a grand jury resister after spending 6 months in jail for refusing to testify at a grand jury targeting animal rights activists.
Sentence: 4 years 3 months
Release Date: July 4, 2011 with good behavior
More Info: http://supportjonathon.org

Nathan Block

February 24, 2006 - 10/29/12

Charge: Conspiracy, multiple counts of arson, carrying a destructive device
Sentence Date: February 24, 2006
Allegations: Nathan Block was only 18 years old when he participated in his first ELF action. He was sentenced to 93 months in prison on February 24, 2006 for his part in a fire that burned SUVs at a Eugene car dealership and his involvement in arson at the Jefferson Poplar genetically engineered poplar farm. An idealist who believed firmly in direct action to defend the environment, Nathan, aka “Exile,” was one of the few Green Scare defendants that refused to incriminate his fellow activists by collaborating with authorities despite government threats to imprison him for life plus 1,115 years. He also remained strong and resilient about his beliefs throughout the trial process, never renouncing his actions or his goals. He was also sentenced with the “terrorism enhancement.”
Sentence: 93 months plus terrorist enhancement
Release Date: 10/29/12 with good behavior
More Info: solidaritywithsadieandexile@gmail.com

Lacey Phillabaum

October 4, 2006 - 4/21/2010

Charge: Conspiracy, arson, and use of a destructive device
Plea Date: October 4, 2006
Allegations: Lacey Phillabaum was editor of the Earth First Journal in the 1990s prior to deciding that more radical methods were necessary to make substantial impact in protecting the environment. She later continued her career in journalism before her arrest for her participation in the UW arson, often focusing on environmentally themed topics in her reporting. She was engaged to Stanislas Meyerhoff, also convicted in several arsons spanning the late 1990s and early 2000s. After her arrest for her involvement at the UW action, Philabaum became an informant and testified against Briana Waters, who was convicted and sentenced to prison time but still proclaims her innocence. Prior to her plea, she was facing up to 35 years in prison for her actions, but after snitching, her sentence was reduced to 36 months.
Sentence: 36 months plus terrorist enhancement
Release Date: April 21, 2010 with good behavior
More Info:

Jennifer Kolar

October 4, 2006 - 2/2/13

Charge: Conspiracy, two counts of arson, and conspiracy to destroy and energy facility
Plea Date: October 4, 2006
Allegations: Jennifer Kolar was an animal and environmental rights activist who was involved in the University of Washington Arson that caused $1.5 million in damages to the genetic research housed at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture in 2001. In 1996, she met Jonathon Paul at an animal rights conference, and the two later collaborated on the Caval West Horse Slaughterhouse arson in 1997. She later also participated in an action to try to stop a gun club that held prairie dog shooting contests. Kolar cooperated with investigators after her indictment for the UW arson, snitching on former friend Briana Waters who she accused of participation as a lookout in the fire, and gave the feds lots of security passwords and technology that was used against others. Kolar, for her cooperation with the Feds, received a reduced sentence of 5 years with 5 years probation.
Sentence: 5 years prison, 5 years probation plus terrorist enhancement
Release Date: 2/2/13 with good behavior
More Info:

Kendall Tankersley

October 31, 2006 - 9/19/2010

Charge: Attempted arson and arson at US Forest Industries in Medford
Sentencing Date: October 31, 2006
Allegations: Kendall Tankersley has a history of environmental activism that pre-dates Operation Backfire and the FBI arrests throughout the Northwest. In previous years, she had participated in nonviolent protests of timber sales. She also worked at several nonprofit organizations and worked for three years as a medical receptionist at Planned Parenthood. Snitch Jake Ferguson, her co-defendant, secretly recorded her while he visited her in Arizona. As a result of these recordings, Tankersley was charged with the USFI arsons, became a federal informant, and was sentenced to 46 months in prison as a result of her cooperation with the FBI.
Sentence: 46 months and 3 years supervised probation
Release Date: 9/19/10 with good behavior
More Info:

Joyanna Zacher

November 11, 2006 - 10/29/2012

Charge: conspiracy, arson, using and carrying a destructive device
Convicted: November 11, 2006
Allegations: Joyanna Zacher, aka “Sadie” was convicted along with her partner Nathan Block for her involvement in the arson at the Joe Romania car dealership in which several SUVs were destroyed as a protest against the negative environmental impact of driving such vehicles, and the Jefferson Poplar arson against genetically modified trees. Sadie has participated in a variety of other actions including the WTO protests in Seattle and several forest defense campaigns. She did not cooperate with authorities during her prosecution, and refused to name the names of any other activists or provide evidence against her friends, despite the fact that she was a victim of such snitching.

Suzanne Savoie

May 31, 2007 - 3/24/11

Charge: Numerous arson charges, conspiracy
Sentence Date: May 31, 2007
Allegations: Suzanne was an environmental activist who helped to organize a campaign to preserve the Bald Lick roadless area on Oregon's Black Mountain. In addition to above ground activism, she also took part in underground direct action campaigns with the ELF. Suzanne surrendered herself to the police after she was indicted for involvement in the Superior Lumber arson in 2001. She agreed to cooperate with the FBI, and provided information that led to the arrests of other activists. Ultimately she pleaded guilty to arsons and received a reduced sentence because of her collaboration with the Feds, snitching on her fellow activists and friends. Prior to her decision to snitch, funds had been raised from the community to support her in her noncooperation stance. Shortly after receiving the donations, she became a government informant and never attempted to return the money.
Sentence: 51 months plus terrorist enhancement
Release Date: 3/24/11 with good behavior
More Info:

Rod Coronado

September 10, 2007 - March 25, 2009

Charge: Demonstrating how to use an incendiary device
Court Date: Trial began September 10, 2007
Allegations: Feb 2006 speech at a university following 4 years in prison for an ALF arson. Was asked by a college student how he used the device, then explained it, and was charged with distribution of information relating to explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction.
Release Date: March 25, 2009
More Info

Aaron Ellringer

2008

Charge: Trespassing
Allegations Aaron Ellringer was charged in 2008 for his involvement in an action that took place in at the US Forest Service station in Rhinelander, WI in the year 2000. During the action, activists girdled 500 genetically engineered trees, which later killed them. Ellringer was not indicted until 8 years after the action, soon before the statue of limitations was to expire. Aaron was named by government snitch Ian Wallace, who was cooperating with the Feds at the time. Wallace also named Daniel McGowan in the crime, though McGowan was not prosecuted and was already serving time for other actions. Ellringer cooperated with the Feds, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 4 days in jail.
Sentence: 4 days

Katherine Christianson

2008 - 12/14/2010

Charge: Conspiring to destroy government property, damaging government property
Sentence: 2 years
Allegations: Katherine Christianson was charged in 2008 for her involvement in an action that took place in at the US Forest Service station in Rhinelander, WI in the year 2000. During the action, activists girdled 500 genetically engineered trees, which later killed them. Christianson was not indicted until 8 years after the action, soon before the statue of limitations was to expire. She cooperated with the Feds completely, and received a 2-year sentence.
Release Date: December 14th, 2010

Bryan Rivera

2008 - August 8, 2011

Bryan Rivera
Charge: Destruction of Government Property
Allegations: Bryan Rivera was charged in 2008 for his involvement in an action that took place in at the US Forest Service station in Rhinelander, WI in the year 2000. During the action, activists girdled 500 genetically engineered trees, which later killed them. Rivera was not indicted until 8 years after the action, soon before the statue of limitations was to expire. He took a non-cooperation plea deal and was convicted and sentenced to 36 months for the crime.
Sentence Date: February 27, 2009
Sentence: 36 months
Release Date August 8, 2011
More Info

Marie Mason

March 10, 2008 - September 18, 2027

Sentence: 22 years plus terrorist enhancement
Charge: 13 counts arson and property damage
Allegations: Marie Mason, a 47-year-old respected community member and mother of two, is a long time environmental, animal, and labor activist. She was sentenced to 22 years in prison for her involvement in two arsons that caused no loss or threat of life. This is the longest sentence to-date received by a green scare activist. Mason was turned in by her former husband, Frank Ambrose, who became an FBI wire-wearing informant and filed for divorce on the day of Marie’s arrest. She pled guilty to 13 actions, including involvement in the Michigan State University arson that targeted genetically modified crop research being funded by Monsanto.
Release Date: September 18, 2027 with good behavior
More Info: http://supportmarie.org

Tre Arrow

August 12, 2008 - 6/8/2009

Charge: Two counts of arson, two counts possession of an incendiary device
Sentence Date: August 12, 2008
Allegations: Tre Arrow, also known as Michael Scarpitti, has been a long time environmental activist who gained nation-wide recognition for scaling the US Forest Service Regional Headquarters in Portland, OR. Tre stayed, perched on a 9-inch ledge, for 11 days in protest of logging plans for the Eagle Creek Forest, which was eventually saved. In 2001, Tre Arrow was charged in connection to two incidents of arson that destroyed three concrete trucks and two logging trucks. Jacob Sherman, who collaborated with the Feds and also gave the names of Angela Cesario and Jeremy Rosenbloom, gave Tre’s name to investigators as involved in the incident. Tre, fearing the threat of a ‘terrorist enhancement’ in his case, fled to Canada. He was arrested on unrelated charges on March 13th, 2004, and after a long battle for refugee status was returned to the United States to face trial. All of his codefendants became government informants and were going to testify against him at trial in order to get reductions in their punishments. Facing life in prison if convicted of all charges, Tre plead guilty to two counts of arson and was sentenced to 78 months in prison. He was given credit for the time he served in Canada and was released from custody on June 8th, 2009.
Sentence: 78 months plus terrorist enhancement
Release Date: June 8th, 2009
More Info: http://trearrow.org

Ian Wallace

10/2008 - 1/12/12

Charges: Attempted destruction of property
Convicted: May, 2009
Allegations: Ian Wallace is one of several environmental activists that participated in a variety of arsons aimed at environmentally devastating targets. He entered into a cooperating plea agreement in October of 2008, agreeing to cooperate with the Feds during their investigation of other activists, including his friends and colleagues. Wallace was facing charges for his involvement in the arsons at the University of Michigan Tech in 2001, and in his snitch agreement also admitted his participation in several other arsons in Minnesota. As a snitch, he also admitted to involvement in, and named three other activists responsible for the destruction of 500 research trees in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.
Sentence: 36 months
Release Date: 1/12/12 with good behavior

Frank Ambrose

10/2008 - 9/26/16

Charge: conspiracy to commit arson
Sentence Date: October 2008
Allegations: Frank Ambrose pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit arson, related to his involvement in the Michigan State University fire in 1999. The former environmental activist had been involved in a variety of arsons and environmental actions with the Earth Liberation Front. The MSU fire caused more than $1 million in damage to the university's Agriculture Hall, and took place on New Year's Eve 1999. The action was a protest against genetically modified crops being researched and grown at the university. Ambrose later cooperated with the Feds and snitched on his former wife, Marie Mason, who was also involved in the arson. He also provided information to the feds regarding an act of graffiti that Marie Mason’s son was allegedly involved with when he was 15, which led the feds to prosecute him for criminal mischief in order to emotionally torture Mason who was imprisoned at the time.
Sentence: nine years plus $3.7 million in restitution to the university for damages
Release Date: 9/26/16 with good behavior
More Info:

Joseph Buddenberg

2/2009 - July 12, 2010

Charge: Conspiracy to violate the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act
Court Date: Indictment thrown out July 12, 2010
Allegations: Joseph Buddenberg, a Virginia native living in Oakland California, was one of 4 activists (AETA 4) arrested in February of 2009 for his participation in protests that targeted members of University of California Berkeley faculty for their roles in animal research that has been taking place on that campus. Joseph, 25, is an animal activist and vegan. The case was recently thrown out by a judge who did not believe that expression of free speech used by the activists, such as chalking on sidewalks and protesting, constituted as an act of terrorism.
More info: http://aeta4.org
Release Date: N/A

Adriana Stumpo

2/2009 - July 12, 2010

Adriana Stumpo
Charge: conspiracy to violate the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act
Trial Date: Indictment thrown out July 12, 2010
Allegations: Adriana Stumpo is one of the four activists that were indicted for exercising their first amendment rights by protesting and chalking on sidewalks outside of the homes of UC vivisector professors that were involved in abhorrent animal research. The AETA 4 was recently dismissed after a judge threw the case against them out of court for violating Due Process standards.
More Info: http://aeta4.org/

Maryam Khajavi

2/2009 - July 12, 2010

Maryam Khajavi
Charge: Conspiracy to violate the AETA
Trial Date: Indictment thrown out July 12, 2010
Allegations: Maryam is one of four activists that were indicted for exercising their first amendment rights by protesting and chalking the sidewalks outside of the homes of University of California professors that were involved in cruel animal research. A federal judge dismissed the indictment against the AETA 4 because the feds failed to set forth actual crimes in sufficient detail to withstand Due Process standards.

Alex Hall

March 5, 2009 - 1/11/11

Charge: Interfering with an animal enterprise
Arrest Date: March 5th, 2009
Allegations: Alex Hall, part of the AETA 2, was arrested along with BJ Veihl in Utah in March of 2009. He was charged with interfering with an animal enterprise, in violation of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, for his alleged role in the release of 650 mink from a fur farm in Utah in 2008 and his alleged attempt at a second attack on another farm, also in the same year. The AETA 2 were the first to be convicted under the AETA pursuant to a non-cooperation plea agreement.
Sentence: 21 months
Release Date: January 11, 2011 with good behavior
More info: http://supportbjandalex.com

William BJ Viehl

8/2009 - 10/21/2010

Charges: Interfering with an Animal Enterprise
Allegations: Utah Native BJ Veihl pled guilty to one charge of violating the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act as a result of a non-cooperating plea agreement. He is alleged to have helped in the release of 650 mink from a Utah mink farm in August of 2009. A devout vegan and animal rights advocate, Veihl served prison time in San Pedro, California and has now been released from custody..
Sentence: 18 months
Release Date: 10/21/10 with good time
More Info: http://supportbjandalex.com

Scott Demuth

September 13, 2010 - Feb 14 2011

Charge: Conspiracy to violate AETA
Allegations: Scott Demuth is a 22-year-old activist from Minneapolis, Minnesota who was indicted on charges of conspiracy to violate the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. He was accused of participating in a break in at the University of Iowa by the ALF that led to the liberation of many animals from an animal research lab. On September 13, 2010, Scott DeMuth pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor conspiracy to commit animal enterprise terrorism under the Animal Enterprise Protection Act for his role in the April 29, 2006 ALF raid on Lakeside Ferrets, Inc., in Howard Lake, Minnesota. The plea was to a lesser-included charge of the second superseding indictment for an action causing less than $10,000 in damage, and carries a maximum of six months in prison and a period of supervised release. This is NOT a cooperating plea agreement; Scott has not been asked to testify against anyone else, nor would he do so. Scott’s sentencing has been scheduled for December 15, 2010, with a surrender date likely to be set for early 2011. According to Scott’s support website, Scott has been involved in several projects in the Twin Cities including the Anarchist Black Cross and the Jack Pine Community Center. He is currently a member of EWOK! (Earth Warriors are OK!), Oyate Nipi Kte, and the editorial collective for the Dakota community journal, Anpao Duta. He is also a Dakota language student and a graduate student in the Sociology Department at the University of Minnesota. He is currently on release pending his sentencing hearing.
Sentencing Date: December 15, 2010
More Info: http://davenportgrandjury.wordpress.com/